LD 4757 
.2 

1831 
ICopy 1 



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ADDRESS, 



DELIVERED TO THE 



GRADUATES OF RUTGERS COLLEGE,; 



AT COMMENCEMENT 



HELD IN THE 



REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH, 



NEW BRUNSWICK, N. J. 



JULY 20, 1831, 



BY PHILIP IILLEDOLER, 



PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE, 



WILLIAM A. MERCEIN, PRINTER, 240 PEA.RL STREET. 

1831. 



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ADDRESS 



DELIVERED TO THE 



GRADUATES OF RUTGERS COLLEGE, 



AT COMMENCEMENT 



HELD IN THE 



REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH, 

*£ / NEW BRUJVSWICK, N. J. 



JULY 20, 1831, 



BY PHILIP MILLEDOLER, 



PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE; 






WILLIAM A, MERCEIN, PRINTER, 240 PEARL STREET, 

183L 



V) 



July 20th } 1S31, New Brunswick. 
Hev. and Dear Sir, 

Many of the Trustees of Rutgers College, having expressed thrir high 
approbation of the address delivered by you this day, to the graduates, and 
wishing to see it in print ; have appointed the undersigned a Committee to 
make a respectful application for a copy of the address for publication. Had 
not the Board adjourned, the application would probably have been made in a 
more formal manner. 

JACOB R. HARDENBERGH, 
JACOB BRODHEAD. 



Gentlemen, 

I have received your polite application for a copy of the address de- 
livered yesterday to the Graduates of our College. If you think its publico 
tion will be useful, the manuscript is at your service. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

PHILIP MILLEDOLER. 

Rutgers College, New Brunswick, t 
July 20th, 1831. ) 

Jacob R. Hardenbergh, Esa,, 
Rev. Dr. Brodhead 



ADDRESS 



Gentlemen Graduates :. 

The period has arrived at which you pass 
from our halls, to enter upon a new course of 
action. You will soon be engaged in various 
pursuits, and in more immediate preparation to 
act your parts in the great drama of life* 

There has never been an era, perhaps, in the 
history of the world, more deeply interesting than 
the present, or more pregnant with extraordinary 
events. 

The day in which we live, is indeed in science, 
in politics, and in religion, most eventful. The 
whole world appears to be more or less agitated. 
The population of Europe is heaving like the 
waves of the ocean in a storm. — The call for 



6 

reform, in many of its ancient governments is 
loud, extended, and extending. In others the 
elements of change are secretly, but powerfully 
operating. A crisis in the existing governments 
of the old world, appears to be approaching, 
which may shake thrones, and constitutions, and 
religious establishments to their base. To this 
state of things, our country has perhaps largely 
contributed. The experiment is now being made 
in these United States — whether a great nation 
— covering a vast extent of territory — with, in 
some instances, conflicting interests, has wisdom 
enough, and virtue enough, to maintain its repub- 
lican institutions, — and whether the religion of 
the Bible, supported by its own intrinsic excel- 
lency, and the providence of God, can exist with- 
out legal establishment. 

As Americans, we firmly believe in the affirma- 
tive of these questions. The experience of the 
country, since the Declaration of its Independence, 
and especially since the adoption of the federal 
constitution, is altogether favorable to this view. 



Parties have existed, and will always exist in 
free states, but the agitation they produce, if not 
too violent, purifies the political atmosphere and 
contributes to the general health. 

Local, and general interests sometimes inter- 
fere with each other, but such collisions exist 
under every form of government, and the calm 
reflection of a reading and intelligent people, will 
soon convince them that the advantages of the 
republican and federative systems, immensely out- 
weigh their partial inconveniences. 

The freedom of the press, as established by 
law, though sometimes abused to licentiousness- 
is nevertheless the great palladium of our liber- 
ties. The moral and religious information diffused 
by this, and similar means, through so many chan- 
nels, in every part of our territory, bids fair, by 
forming an intelligent and virtuous community, to 
extend and to perpetuate our national greatness. 
The progress of science and the arts, and espe- 
cially of the fine arts amongst us, is almost with- 



8 

out a parallel. In architecture, in ship building, 
in manufactures of every description — in painting, 
printing, engraving, how rapid has been our im- 
provement for the last twenty years. The facilities 
which have sprung up to lessen time and distance, 
and consequently to promote intercourse between 
distant parts of our country, and to give a cheap 
and easy outlet to market for the surplus of our 
agricultural and mechanical productions, must 
strike the most inattentive observer. 

The legislatures of many states of this confe- 
deracy, have done themselves immortal honor, by 
patronizing public schools, and encouraging the 
general interests of literature. 

Conscious of the close connexion of science and 
liberty on the one hand, and of ignorance and 
slavery on the other — they have adopted the en- 
lightened aphorisms — that no nation can long be 
free, that has ceased to be virtuous — and that to 
be virtuous, it must necessarily be intelligent. To 
perpetuate the liberties of their country, these 



e 

patriots have discovered no surer or shorter way, 
than that of extending useful information, and of 
leavening with it the whole mass of our popu- 
lation. 

The aristocracy of blood and wealth, is fast 
passing away, and we are persuaded that no other 
will be tolerated amongst us, but that of talent 
and of virtue. This is the aristocracy, if so it 
may be called, which God and enlightened men 
delight to honor, and the only one that will take 
root in the United States of America, 

These are the only stars of nobility, that can 
either now or hereafter adorn our statesmen, our 
civilians — our commanders by sea and land — our 
physicians, and divines— and graduated by these, 
they will either stand high or low on the roll of 
our national glory. 

If we are true to ourselves and to our own 

principles, it cannot be otherwise — for freemen 

must act upon the rules, that greatness shall be 

2 



JO 

tested by usefulness, and that honor shall be mea-> 
sured by virtue. A state of slavery, indeed, is 
unnatural to man. He was created free, depen- 
dent only on that sovereign God, in whom all his 
happiness is centred. Despotism and slavery are 
the legitimate offspring of sin, and the mind can 
no more become reconciled to them, than the 
body can be inured to the action upon it of a 
consuming fire. 

The experience too of ages has shewn, that in 
matters of religion, the soul cannot be fettered. 

As human laws cannot mould the understand- 
ings of men, it is impossible that they should 
coerce the conscience. The Jesuits attempted it 
and failed. The Inquisition in Spain was the 
hope of a tottering church, but instead of re- 
tarding, it rather accelerated its fall. 

What power or craft can resist the force of 
public opinion ? When roused into action by op- 
pression, enlightened by experience, guided by 



11 

wisdom, and conducted by valor, it can be arrest- 
ed by no arm but that of Omnipotence ; it can be 
controlled by no voice but the voice of God. 

In civil concerns our nation is free. In religious 
concerns it is also free. And what thus far has 
been the result of experience ? Has not God in 
our land, fulfilled his own promise, and support- 
ed his own cause? Has religion, unpropped by 
tyrannic influence, expired ? Far from it. In no 
country upon earth is its attitude more com- 
manding. It stands in its own lovely, unrival- 
led, and untrammelled majesty. It is supported 
by the mighty and spontaneous action of a free 
people — and this tree of life, transplanted by our 
pilgrim fathers in a genial soil, has not only lived, 
but its branches have spread wide, and its roots 
have stricken deep, and it has constantly yielded 
its perennial blessings, and its leaves and its fruit 
are for the healing of the nations. 

If we examine the map of our country, we shall 
perceive an immeasurable field opening to the 



n 

future labors of the patriot and philanthropist :— * 
and if we look at our benevolent institutions, we 
shall see the incipient means at least of entering 
upon these labors with success. 

If it had been asserted a few years ago, that 
our American population would soon be obtruded 
to the shores of the Pacific, it would have been 
considered as an idle tale. But the supposed 
chimera begins to fall not only within the circle 
of probability, but of absolute reality. Border- 
ing on the Asiatic continent, who can describe 
the effects of such a population upon that con- 
tinent. What openings for future enterprize* 
what noble efforts, what happy changes in morals, 
in religion, in science, and in government, are 
suggested by the wide — the magnificent — and 
almost boundless prospect that here rises to our 
view. 

With Africa we are already connected. By 
one of those grand and wonderful movements of 
the providence of God, by which he brings the 



13 

greatest good out of the greatest evils,— Africa 
may soon be regenerated by her own sons, in the 
widest, highest, noblest acceptation of the term. 
The genius of African emancipation, appeared 
amongst us many years ago, in the monitory 
pleadings of an amiable and retiring class of our 
fellow citizens ; now it appears embodied, in a 
more imposing form, in the existence and labors 
of the American Colonization Society- Second 
to none in the grandeur of its objects, and com- 
bining as it has always done, talent, patience, and 
perseverance, it merits, and will eventually re- 
ceive, the liberal support of all good men. This 
Association unrolls the Declaration of American 
Independence. It holds up to view the great prin- 
ciples for which our revolutionary worthies fought, 
and bled, and died. Principles so incorporated in 
the constitution of these United States, as to stand 
out in bold relief— so presented as to be conspi- 
cuous to every eye. No wild or overbearing spirit 

is exhibited in their appeal to their country — no 
array of the North against the South — no proud 



14 

pretensions to superior virtue — no bitter reviling^ 
The cause, in their view, is too great and too 
holy to admit of such degradation. Their appeal 
is strictly Christian and American. It is ad- 
dressed to our judgment — to acknowledged prin- 
ciples—to humanity — to religion. There is no 
concealment of its objects — it is African emanci- 
pation of the body and of the mind that is con- 
templated. — It seeks to erase a deep stain from the 
American character — to dissipate a cloud hanging 
over us, which cannot be viewed without shudder- 
ing — and to accomplish that for which the Omnipo- 
tent Saviour of the world offered up his life on the 
ever memorable day of Expiation. It may be a 
species of enthusiasm in the speaker, but I think 
I see the Sun of Righteousness rising upon Africa \ 
and pouring its cheering rays upon the hamlets of 
myriads of happy beings. I think I hear the voice 
of millions calling to their fellows and saying — 
" arise and shine, for your Light is come, and the 
glory of the Lord is arisen upon you." Can I be 
mistaken ? Emboldened by prophecy I repeat it 
— Africa will be regenerated. 



15 

To the projectors and patrons of this noble 
work, she will rear her future monumental pil- 
lars : but their most glorious monument will 
be the happiness, here, and hereafter, brought 
by their means to the minds and hearts of count- 
less myriads of her now hapless population. 

In adverting to the future prospects of our 
country, shall I point to its free schools ; its 
stationary Sabbath schools, and those moving to 
the west ; its temperate societies ; its associa- 
tions for extending the gospel; its churches every 
where rearing their spires ; diffusing their light ; 
and pouring their moral health into the fountains 
of society ! How blessed — how venerable — how 
animating is the scene ? 

It is at this time, and under these circumstan- 
ces of your country, of the church, and of the 
world, that you, beloved youth, are about to enter 
on the field of action. Previous to our parting 

on this occasion perhaps to see each other's face 
no more, permit me to present you with a brief 



16 

outline of the course you should pursue, and to 
offer some reasons why you should pursue it. 

And first of all, as first in importance, see to it, 
that you are reconciled to God; put yourselves 
one and all, under the protection of that Arm 
which defends with resistless power, and sustains 
with untiring care. Be assured that for the want 
of piety, no talents, however brilliant, can com- 
pensate, — no achievements, however splendid, can 
atone. To be called good, and great, and honor 
able, without it, is bitter satire — senseless, horrible 
mockery. 

If the whole vail could be rent, that conceals 
the retired acts of him, who was " first in war, 
first in peace, and first in the hearts of his coun- 
try," it would be found, that the great principle 
which blessed his public efforts, and crowned his 
private character, was, the fear of God. You 
will easily perceive the broad line that divides 
fame like his from that of a Sylla or a Caesar. 
His course was not merely that which commands 



17 

admiration, but which fixes and rivets the noblest 
affections of the soul. This is undying fame. 

Next to the fear of God, let me charge you, 
my young friends, to guard your moral character. 
Though reputation is not to be your idol, it never- 
theless claims your solicitude. Popular favor in> 
deed is in some instances like the flux and reflux 
of a wave, and the sternest integrity may not al- 
ways shield you from the envenomed tongue of the 
base calumniator ; the "Mens Conscia recti" how^ 
ever can bear it, and will eventually triumph over 
it. But to be shunned by the virtuous part of the 
community, and to meet the slow finger of scorn, 
when we are conscious of having merited it, is a 
very serious calamity. Remember also, that a 
spotless vesture may easily be tarnished, and that 
the stain of moral character is indelible. Consi- 
der your character, then, not as estimated by fools, 
but as judged of by wise and good men, as a sa- 
cred trust committed to your vigilance, and as a 
precious legacy to be handed down to your pos- 
interity., 

As closely connected with the care of reputa- 
tion, be diligent in business. 



18 

That in so many occupations of life, so few 
become singularly eminent, is owing not so much 
to the want of talent — or, to unforeseen and inevi- 
table hindrances,— as to the want of application of 
those talents, arising from indolence, from the love 
of pleasure, and from the refusal to economize 
time, and apply to the severer duties of our calling. 

Genius and talent lay the foundation of eminence, 
but industry alone can successfully carry up the 
superstructure.— This is true in arts, in arms, in 
science, and even in the holy interests of religion. 

The heathen placed the temple of their honor 
upon a lofty eminence. The road to it they de- 
scribed as steep, and rugged, and the temple itself 
as extremely difficult of access ; but this, said they, 
renders the achievement more illustrious, and the 
triumph more complete ; none might hope to at- 
tain to that summit without great decision of 
character, manifested in self-denial, in fortitude, 
and in laborious perseverance. But turning from 
fables and allegories, we are warranted in assert- 
ing, that to attain to that honor that cometh from 
God, these qualifications are absolutely indispen- 
sable. "He that overcometh shall inherit all 



19 

things," is inscribed upon all the banners of Him 
who hath a name written upon his vesture, and 
upon his thigh, King of kings, and Lord of lords, 

Let me intreat you also, and especially such of 
you as shall turn your attention to scientific pur- 
suits, to labor for the advancement of sound litera- 
ture in our land. You know its worth ; as an act 
of gratitude then for what you have received, 
promote its interests. The ungenerous, and en- 
vious, have attempted on this point to shade the 
American character — be it your care to redeem 
it from unmerited obloquy. 

-4s citizens of a free state, remember that you 
have rights most sacred, to cherish and defend. 
Let your political creed be modelled after the 
constitution of your country. With a holy care, 
guard, and perpetuate its union. Let your at- 
tachments be rather to principles than to men. 
Support with firmness such men, as by the fear of 
God, by their public services, and inviolable at- 
tachment to their country, merit its esteem. The 
observance of these rules will preserve you from 
that disgraceful vaccillation in public concerns? 



¥0 

which is produced by weakness or selfishness, 
and which every man of good sense, and sound 
principle, will never cease to deplore. 

Finally, to such institutions of the day, as shall 
serve to promote true learning, and wholesome 
action in church and state, give not only your un- 
divided assent, but also a portion of your time, of 
your influence, and of your pecuniary means, and 
especially to such as diffuse abroad, and perpe- 
tuate the truth as it is in Jesus. That shunning 
the haunts of vice, and the allurements of sinful 
pleasure, you may always be found associated 
with good men, in all good and noble deeds, re- 
flecting honor upon the guides of your youth* 
your connexions, and your country, is our fervent 
prayer. 

Our eyes and our best wishes, will follow you 
in future, as in time past, with deep solicitude. — 
And now, commending all, and every one of you, 
to God, and to his grace — in the name of my 
associates, and in my own, I bid you farewell. 

New Brunswick, July 20th, 1831. 



